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There have been numerous debates concerning the efficacy of seat belt use on school buses. Although it may initially seem like a great idea, there are some obstacles to overcome which may restrict the affordability and practicality of enforcing such a measure.

As a school bus driver, I know that the ability of the bus driver to enforce the proper use of seat belts is quite limited. Initially, I can check each student's belt to ensure proper use, but the moment I begin to drive, I am limited to glancing in the mirror every so often to monitor the children's activity. My responsibility is to make certain that every child arrives at school and home safely each day. To do this, I must continually monitor the road for dangers.

Most people would be mortified to know how many people actually will run a school bus stop sign, knowing that children are going to be getting out and possibly crossing the road in front of them at any moment. Often, people on the road are in such a hurry to get to work that the mere sight of a school bus in front of them seems to cause the wild urge to pass using any means possible...legal or illegal. If I am trying to move to the lane beside me, the moment I turn on my signal, it appears that I have made the announcement for everyone to rush up to pass me, as if changing lanes with 60 children in tow isn't difficult enough!

It is impossible for the driver to monitor seat belt usage and continue to drive safely. If some of the children belt up and others do not, it can cause more danger than no belts being worn at all. The force of impact of the unbelted children colliding with the belted ones would cause both children more harm, in my opinion.

A great concern of mine is the evacuation time required in case of a bus fire. Currently, all of my students can evacuate the bus entirely in one minute or less. With seat belts, however, I fear that this precious time will be increased. The time it takes to disengage the belt and the added danger of becoming entangled it the belts while exiting the bus could mean the difference in life or death for a child.

Current school buses are designed taller than the average vehicle to allow the bus to go above most vehicles in a collision, thereby causing less damage to our precious cargo. The seats are also designed in such a way as to minimize the risk of being tossed around in the bus upon sudden stops and impact. As long as the children remain seated, and obey the bus rules, the likelihood of injury is minimal.

Testing of school bus seat belts has been done in the past, and it was decided that the usage of seat belts did not positively impact the safety of the students. More testing has been scheduled to begin this fall including the implementation of bus monitors to assist the children with their seat belts. More information may be available as these tests are concluded.

In the meantime, those who are concerned about the safety of children on buses can do a few things to help.

Parents should:

...stress to your child the importance of remaining in their seat for the entire bus ride. ...watch small children when boarding the bus. ...remind other adults of the importance of stopping for the bus when the red lights are flashing. ...tell your children to always look both ways before attempting to board and leave the bus. ...make certain that your children have someone waiting for them at the bus stop in the evening.

Everyone should:

...drive carefully, and obey all traffic laws -especially in the vicinity of a school bus.

Learn more about this author, Marsha Welch.
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